Hello My gr grandmother was born on North Audley Street, London, Middlesex about 1845. She was illegitimate. I know that some children were never baptized, but would like to try and find it. I do belong to ancestry and have tried this. Her name was Fanny Adams, real father was Donald MacPherson, mother I have no idea. When she was married she said her father was George Adams, which I have a oil/water painting of either him or Donald. I have all info after she was married but nothing before. Even in the census after, she seemed to be born a different year and different places. There is a WILL from Donald MacPherson, (no idea when he died). He did leave her money but could never prove she was his daughter so never got the money. Her oldest daughter tried to get at the WILL but was unsuccessful. I am also looking for that too. Fanny died in 1907, Fanny Britten. I have looked at the English website on WILL's but can't seem to get at what I want, it is just too confusing. Anyone have any suggestions on this. Thank you very much. Diane Potter Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Diane Potter wrote: > > My gr grandmother was born on North Audley Street, London, > Middlesex about 1845. She was illegitimate. I know that some > children were never baptized, but would like to try and find it. Have you discounted this one: Births Jun 1844 Adams Frances Sarah Marylebone 1 241 Fanny is a pet version of Frances > I do belong to ancestry and have tried this. Ancestry hasn't put the whole of the London parish CMBs yet but if the above is the person you want, then it's possible the reason is that Ancestry's agreement doesn't cover events in Westminster which I believe includes the Marylebone area. > Her name was Fanny Adams, real father was Donald MacPherson, mother > I have no idea. It's unusual to know who the father is but not the mother. What brought you to the conclusion Donald MacPHERSON was the father? > When she was married she said her father was George Adams, which I > have a oil/water painting of either him or Donald. I have all info > after she was married but nothing before. It's not unusual for an illegitimate bride (or groom) to invent a father for the sake of appearances. These fathers were invariably deceased to stop any awkward questions about why he wasn't at the wedding. > Even in the census after, she seemed to be born a different year > and different places. There's nothing especially unusual there. The information in the censuses is only as good as the informant and it doesn't make any difference whether the person/people were illegitimate or not. People then often didn't know exactly how old they were or where they were born. If someone else was filling in the form for them, that person might guess the details or make assumptions. -- Charani (UK) OPC for Walton, Greinton and Clutton, SOM Asst OPC for Ashcott and Shapwick, SOM http://wsom-opc.org.uk http://www.savethegurkhas.co.uk/